10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

This 10-day Uganda Rwanda safari combines classic savannah wildlife, gorilla trekking, and cultural experiences across two of East Africa’s best-known safari destinations. The journey starts in Uganda with Kampala city highlights and wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, then continues to Rwanda for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, a Dian Fossey tomb trek, and a Kigali city tour before departure. It is a strong option for travellers who want to combine wildlife, primates, culture, and a cross-border overland safari in one itinerary.

Safari highlights

• Arrival in Entebbe and Kampala city tour
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Game drives in the Kasenyi area
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Cross-border transfer to Rwanda via Gatuna
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Iby’Iwacu cultural village visit
• Dian Fossey tombs trek
• Kigali city tour
• Departure from Kigali

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Entebbe, transfer to Kampala, city tour

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver guide and transferred to Kampala, a drive of about 45 minutes depending on traffic. If time allows, enjoy a Kampala city tour with visits to sites such as the Naggalabi Coronation Site, Mengo Palace, the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum, and selected craft shops. Later, check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight. Luxury Kampala Serena Hotel, Imperial Royale Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Mid-range Hotel Africana, Hotel Triangle, Hotel Shangri-La, Budget  Holiday Express Hotel, Namirembe Guest House

Day 2, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Equator stop, Mpambire Drum Village

After an early breakfast, depart Kampala and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. On the way, stop at the Equator for photographs and the water experiment, then continue to Mpambire Drum Village to see traditional drum-making techniques. Have lunch en route and continue to the park, arriving later in the day. On arrival, check in at your lodge and relax. Dinner and overnight. Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Mid-range: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Albertine Camp, Budget Mweya Hostels, Simba Safari Camp

Day 3, Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife viewing and lodge stay

Spend the day enjoying the scenery and wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a lighter safari day that allows you to settle into the park and enjoy sightings around the lodge area and nearby game-viewing tracks. Depending on conditions, you may see warthogs, buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, and baboons around the park. This also gives you time to relax before the main game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise on the following day. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2.

Day 4, Morning game drive in Kasenyi, Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Wake up early and head to the Kasenyi area for a morning game drive. This is one of the best sections of Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing. During the drive, you may see lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and a wide variety of birds. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, go for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Along the shores, you may spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and many water birds. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation Same lodge as Day 2.

Day 5, More wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend another day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with more time for wildlife viewing and relaxation. You may explore another section of the park with your guide, enjoy the lodge setting, and take in the varied landscapes of savannah, crater areas, and water systems that make this one of Uganda’s most diverse parks. This extra day gives the safari a better pace before the cross-border journey to Rwanda. Dinner and overnight at your lodge. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2.

Day 6, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

After breakfast, leave Uganda and drive to Rwanda via the Gatuna border. Continue to the Volcanoes National Park area, one of Rwanda’s best-known gorilla trekking destinations. Arrive later in the day, check in at your lodge, and relax. Dinner and overnight. Luxury: Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Standard: Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Budget: Kinigi Guest House.

Day 7, Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. You will then enter the forest with rangers in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek requires patience and can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, you will spend 1 hour observing them and taking pictures. Packed lunch will be provided. Return to your lodge later in the day for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 6.

Day 8, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, Dian Fossey tombs trek

After breakfast, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about the traditions and daily life of the Rwandan people. You will see aspects of local farming practices, including banana wine production and millet flour preparation. Later, continue with the Dian Fossey tombs trek, one of Rwanda’s best-known historical and conservation-related experiences. During the trek, learn about Dian Fossey’s work with mountain gorillas and the legacy she left in gorilla conservation. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation Same lodge as Day 6.

Day 9, Kigali city tour

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali for a city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and selected museums, then continue with other city highlights depending on time. After the tour, check in at your hotel for dinner and overnight. Luxury accommodation Kigali Serena Hotel, Manor Hotel, Hotel Gorillas, Mid-range accommodation Hotel des Mille Collines, Novotel Kigali, Budget accommodation Hotel Isimbi, Bethanie Guest House

Day 10, Departure from Kigali

After breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 10 days Uganda Rwanda safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up in Entebbe and airport drop-off in Kigali
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver guide
• Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
• Park entry fees
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Dian Fossey tomb trek
• Iby’Iwacu cultural village visit
• Kigali city tour
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not clearly listed in the itinerary